Introduction

Janakpur, also known as Janakpurdham, is a holy city in Madhesh Province, southeastern Nepal. Revered as the birthplace of Goddess Sita (Janaki) and the site of her marriage to Lord Ram, Janakpur is a center of Hindu pilgrimage, Mithila art, and Maithili culture. With its majestic temples, colorful festivals, and deep-rooted traditions, Janakpur stands as one of the most spiritually significant cities in South Asia.

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Quick Facts About Janakpur

• Province: Madhesh Province

• Elevation: ~74 meters (243 feet)

• Population: ~170,000 (urban area)

• Primary Language: Maithili, Nepali, Hindi, English

• Currency: Nepalese Rupee (NPR)

• Distance from Kathmandu: ~225 km (35–40 min by flight or 8–10 hrs by road)

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Why Visit Janakpur?

• Birthplace of Sita, a key figure in the Ramayana epic

• Home to the Ram Janaki Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in Nepal

• Center of Mithila art, culture, and music

• Unique local customs, language (Maithili), and traditions

• Vibrant religious festivals and spiritual heritage

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Top Attractions in Janakpur

1. Janaki Mandir (Ram Janaki Temple)

The centerpiece of Janakpur, this magnificent white marble temple is dedicated to Goddess Sita. Built in 1910 in Mughal and Rajput architectural styles, it is Nepal’s largest temple and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus from Nepal and India.

2. Vivaha Mandap

This ornate structure marks the sacred site where Ram and Sita were married. It hosts annual reenactments and is beautifully decorated during the Bibaha Panchami festival.

3. Ram Mandir

One of the oldest temples in Janakpur, believed to be built in the 18th century, and a calm place for devotees.

4. Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar

Holy ponds near Janaki Mandir used for religious rituals. Local legend connects these ponds to the divine wedding events of Ram and Sita.

5. Mithila Art Centers

Janakpur is the heartland of Mithila (Madhubani) art, where you can see and purchase handmade paintings, murals, and folk crafts made by local women artisans.

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Festivals Celebrated in Janakpur

Janakpur is one of the best places in Nepal to experience Hindu festivals with grandeur and devotion.

Major Festivals:

• Ram Navami – Celebrating the birth of Lord Ram

• Bibaha Panchami – Commemorating Ram and Sita’s wedding; includes dramatic processions and reenactments

• Chhath Puja – Honoring the Sun God with rituals on sacred ponds

• Holi – Festival of colors, celebrated with high energy

These festivals attract thousands of pilgrims from India and Nepal, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere.

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Culture and Traditions

Maithili Culture:

• Janakpur is the cultural heart of the Maithili-speaking people

• Home to folk songs, poetry, traditional wedding customs, and elaborate Mithila paintings

• Rich in oral storytelling and classical literature

Dress and Lifestyle:

• Women traditionally wear colorful saris, men in dhoti-kurta

• Artistic patterns, natural dyes, and handmade crafts dominate local fashion and décor

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Local Cuisine

Janakpur offers a variety of Maithili and North Indian-inspired dishes.

Popular Dishes:

• Dahi-Chura – Flattened rice with curd and jaggery

• Tarua – Deep-fried vegetables in gram flour

• Kadhi Bari – Dumplings in yogurt curry

• Litti-Chokha – Spiced wheat balls with mashed vegetables

• Malpua and Thekua – Popular during Chhath and festivals

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How to Reach Janakpur

• By Air: Daily flights from Kathmandu to Janakpur Airport (~35 minutes)

• By Road: Connected via the East-West Highway and highways from the Indian border

• By Train (India): Border town Jaynagar is linked to Janakpur by narrow-gauge railway

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Best Time to Visit

• October to March: Pleasant climate, major festivals

• April to June: Hot and humid

• July to September: Rainy, lush surroundings but occasional flooding

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Trivia & Fun Facts

• Janakpur is considered one of the four Dhams (sacred abodes) in the Mithila region.

• The Janaki Mandir is also nicknamed the “Nau Lakha Mandir”, as it reportedly cost nine lakh rupees to build.

• Mithila art from Janakpur is globally recognized, often featured in exhibitions and international projects.

• The city’s Ramayana Circuit is part of a transnational tourism initiative connecting sacred sites in Nepal and India.

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Conclusion

Janakpur is a soul-stirring destination that bridges myth and reality. It offers a rare chance to walk in the footsteps of epic legends, witness living traditions, and immerse yourself in a rich cultural landscape unlike any other in Nepal. Whether you’re a pilgrim, culture lover, or curious traveler, Janakpur invites you to experience the essence of Mithila.